A recent study conducted bt Nguvu Change Leaders has revealed critical gaps in Nigeria’s approach to managing Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), urging the federal government to adopt a national legal framework.
Spearheaded by Onor-obassi Tawo, the report compares the effectiveness of SCD laws in four Nigerian states: Anambra, Kano, Kaduna, and Abia. It highlights severe disparities in public awareness, inconsistent law enforcement, and a lack of affordable genotype screening services, particularly in rural areas.
The study coincides with deliberations in the Nigerian Senate over a proposed national bill on SCD management. While Anambra State benefits from strong advocacy efforts, the remaining states struggle with low awareness and poor law implementation. “Our findings underscore the urgent need for a unified national framework to address these gaps and improve the lives of millions living with SCD across Nigeria,” said Onor-obassi Tawo.
The report identifies key barriers, including socio-cultural beliefs that discourage premarital genotype screening, and calls for comprehensive public health interventions, including engaging religious leaders, expanding healthcare access, and enforcing ethical guidelines to protect the rights of those affected by the disease.
As 4-6 million Nigerians carry the sickle cell trait, the study advocates for a national act to standardize SCD care and public health efforts, offering a template for states to follow.
The report provides several actionable recommendations to address the identified barriers such as enhancing public awareness, engaging religious and cultural leaders, accessibility to universal health care, and establishment and enforcement of ethical guidelines.
According to the report, “These will provide a crucial roadmap for policymakers as they work to develop a comprehensive national framework to reduce the burden of SCD in Nigeria, which remains one of the countries most affected by this disease globally.”